Sexual Assault During Medical Transport Raises Questions About Rideshare Safety

A 31-year-old Uber driver faces aggravated sexual assault charges after allegedly attacking a 12-year-old passenger during what should have been a routine medical transport in Plano, Texas. Robert Johnson III posted a $200,000 bond on July 20, 2024, five days after his arrest for the July 9 incident, which occurred during an Uber Health service ride.

5 Key Points

  • Plano Police arrested Robert Johnson III on July 15 for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old during an Uber Health ride.
  • The 37-minute assault occurred after Johnson deviated from the route on Legacy Drive in Plano.
  • A therapist reported the crime after the victim disclosed the assault during a counseling session.
  • Johnson threatened the victim, saying, “Don’t tell nobody, or there will be issues.”
  • Uber permanently banned Johnson and pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement.

Details of the Incident

The assault occurred on July 9, 2024, when Johnson picked up the 12-year-old victim from a facility on Timber Ridge Drive in Frisco around 2 p.m. According to the three-page probable cause affidavit, Johnson began the interaction by discussing music with the victim and changing songs for her. The conversation turned inappropriate when Johnson asked the victim about her “favorite position,” clarifying he meant sexually, not in sports. Court documents reveal Johnson told the victim his first sexual experience occurred at age 11 and continued to discuss sexual activities. During this exchange, Johnson allegedly turned around in his seat and touched the victim’s thigh, demanding she move to the front seat. The ride, which should have taken 26 minutes, lasted 37 minutes, according to Uber’s data.

Investigation and Discovery

The incident came to light when the victim’s mother noticed unusual behavior upon her daughter’s return home. The affidavit states the child appeared withdrawn and went to bed early, raising initial concerns. The victim questioned her mother about whether the Uber service used was a “regular” Uber or specifically for children, and mentioned the driver had purchased snacks for her—behavior the mother found unusual. The following day, during a therapy session, the victim disclosed the assault. The therapist, fulfilling their role as a mandatory reporter in Texas, immediately alerted authorities. Plano Police Department secured an arrest warrant on July 12 after a judge found probable cause, leading to Johnson’s arrest on July 15.

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Service Discrepancy and Policy Issues

The investigation revealed confusion surrounding the type of service used. While the incident occurred through Uber Health, a service designed for non-emergency medical appointments, grocery deliveries, and prescription fills, the victim’s family believed they were using “Uber for Teens,” a different service with additional safety protocols. Under Uber for Teens, guardians receive notifications for every ride request and can track real-time trips through the app. However, Uber’s standard rules explicitly require riders under 18 to be accompanied by an adult unless using specific teen-designated services. The company confirmed the ride occurred through Uber Health, which maintains the same age restrictions as regular Uber services.

Law Enforcement Response and Community Impact

Plano Police Officer Jennifer Chapman addressed the wave of public criticism directed at the victim’s mother, emphasizing the need for community support rather than blame. “The mother thought that she was doing the right thing,” Chapman stated. “Unfortunately, no matter how many things were done right, these predators are still going to infiltrate these systems.” The victim herself expressed concern for “other girls who end up right with the Uber driver, Johnson,” despite initially believing getting into the front seat was “her mistake.” Law enforcement praised the young victim’s courage in coming forward, noting that her actions potentially prevented future incidents.

Essential Rideshare Safety Guidelines

Following the July 9 incident, the Plano Police Department shared critical safety protocols for rideshare passengers. Officer Jennifer Chapman emphasized several key measures passengers should take before and during their rides.

“Always verify the driver’s identity, car make, and license plate before entering the vehicle,” Chapman stated. “We recommend passengers sit in the back seat and share their trip status with trusted contacts.”

The department outlined specific safety steps for rideshare users:

  • Request drivers to confirm your name before entering the vehicle
  • Avoid sharing personal information or travel purposes with drivers
  • Use the app’s built-in safety features to share trip details with family
  • Trust your instincts and call 911 if feeling unsafe
  • Maintain awareness of the route and surroundings throughout the ride
  • Exit the vehicle immediately if the driver deviates from the planned route

For parents using rideshare services for minors, Chapman stressed additional precautions:

  • Never allow unaccompanied minors to use standard rideshare services
  • Use only authorized teen rideshare programs with parent-tracking features
  • Enable real-time location sharing through separate family safety apps
  • Establish check-in protocols during rides
  • Choose well-lit pickup and drop-off locations
  • Review ride history and driver ratings before booking

Uber reinforced these guidelines, adding that their platform includes emergency assistance buttons and automatic location-sharing features. The company urged users to familiarize themselves with in-app safety tools before their first ride.